EXHIBITION “HIS MAJESTY KING PETER II – THE MAKING OF THE KING” OPENS AT THE ROYAL PALACE

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Alexander, in presence of Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Katherine and Their Royal Highnesses’ daughter Alison today officially opened “His Majesty King Peter II – The Making of the King” exhibition at the Royal Palace in Dedinje on the occasion of His Majesty King Peter’s birthday on 6 September.

Among rarely seen photographs of His Majesty King Peter II between 1923 – 1941, His Majesty King Peter II first sabre is displayed in Belgrade for the first time. After his baptism on 21 October 1923, the young Crown Prince received his first sabre from the Russian Cossack Atamans. On its steel blade there is an inscription: “To the Heir to the Throne of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes on the day of His Baptism 21 October 1923”, and on the other side of the blade: “From the Don, Cuban and Teran military Atamans and Cossacks.

A portrait of His Majesty King Peter II by Paja Jovanovic, which is kept at Oplenac in the House of His Majesty King Peter I is one of the exhibits at this unique exhibition.

In his opening speech, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Alexander said: “This is a great opportunity for the public to see many rarely seen photos of His Majesty King Peter II from 1923 until 1941 as well as his first sabre that was never publicly displayed until now. The photographs show him in his official duties as the Crown Prince and the King – during visits to towns and cities, institutions, army, humanitarian activities, patronages and giving aid to various associations. Also, there are photographs of his everyday life activities – studying or doing his hobbies – acting, sports, or dancing. As a young man, my father had different interests that people today know very little about. I hope this exhibition will bring him closer to today’s generations of young people”.

The authors of the exhibition are Mr. Andrija Sosic, Mr. Uros Parezanovic and Mr. Vidak Orlović.

The opening of the exhibition was attended by Their Royal Highnesses’ guests – The Fothergill family, the authors of the exhibition, members of the advisory bodies of the Crown, representatives of the diplomatic corps, as well as by many guests from the cultural and artistic world of Serbia.

The exhibition “His Majesty King Peter II – The Making of the King” at the Royal Palace will be open for visitors on working days until 16 September, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, with prior announcement to the Office of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Alexander at 011/306-4000 or via e-mail kancelarija@dvor.rs.